(Updated) Experts baffled by porpoise tail found on Cleethorpes beach
WILDLIFE experts are baffled as to how the tail of what they believe to be a harbour porpoise ended up on Cleethorpes beach.
Harbour porpoises, belonging to the whale species, are the most frequent kind seen off the Lincolnshire coast.
But how its tail, pictured by a Grimsby Telegraph reader, came to be separated from its body remains a mystery.
Rachel Shaw from the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, said: "It is really difficult to say what happened to the creature.
30% off on our collection range and other selected fabrics. alternatively call 809887 and we will bring our samples to you for our friendly hassle free quote.
Contact: 01472 809887
Valid until: Saturday, July 13 2013
"The detachment of the tail from the rest of the body may have happened after its death rather than being a cause of its death.
"Other species will feed on carcasses at sea, which could cause the tail to separate, or it could have happened at its death. There are various threats to harbour porpoise, including entanglement in fishing nets, chemical and noise pollution, hunting, boat traffic and lack of food."
It comes less than a week after about 4,000 starfish washed up on Cleethorpes beach, close to the Humberston Fitties.
It is one of a number of weird and wonderful visitors washed up on our shores.
Farm animals, bombs, the wing of an aircraft, two Second World War mines and a cannon ball are among the reported items.
UPDATE
New pictures have been submitted revealing the rest of the porpoise's remains. The tail apparently became separated after the creature has been washed up.
2 Comments
by davendogs
Thursday, January 31 2013, 12:43PM
“Ships prop”
by labourladie
Thursday, January 31 2013, 9:52AM
“Well it would really be a surprise if it had turned up on the front seat of the Kings Cross to Edinburgh express wouldn't it? But on Cleethorpes beach? I don't think so. Sometimes I wonder about the efforts of the zealots of investigative journalism at the GT. These animals live and die in these waters, what exactly do you expect?”